poldark wrote:There's been 8 reported failures in Europe and the danger is anyone with "RK" stamped on their chain, which is one of three options supplied.

What I will say is that Honda have done something (pretty quick) about this,


EDIT: Though I guess it is still embarrasing.

I think Honda should have acted sooner as Honda USA and Canada already had recalls announced about 10 days ago inspite of no reported failures occuring on that side of the pond. Whereas here, there's been quite a bit of badgering going on with Honda pressing for a recall. They've known there was a problem with RK chains for a while.
I'm glad my bike has a DID chain fitted.

The only thing embarrassing about this would be for RK chains and possibly Honda UK's slowish response.

MrGrumpy wrote:Well, its their own fault for putting silly chain drives on - should have put shaft drive in!!

Shaft drive would be too expensive and too heavy for what is meant to be a fairly budget machine.
I think they would have been better off with belt drive, as we are looking at a machine with modest power and a low revving engine..it would be perfect for a belt.

wozza wrote:

MrGrumpy wrote:Well, its their own fault for putting silly chain drives on - should have put shaft drive in!!

Shaft drive would be too expensive and too heavy for what is meant to be a fairly budget machine.
I think they would have been better off with belt drive, as we are looking at a machine with modest power and a low revving engine..it would be perfect for a belt.

Hmmm .. interesting point. But manufacturers never seem too keen on belt drives...only Harleys, the BMW F800ST and the TMax mk4! Any idea why?

My BMW650CS scarver had a few recalls for revised pulleys, so a belt drive can fail, plus I also got a flint cutting its way through the belt. Some drive shafts go wrong.
A chain is best, shame the metal used in the side plates was not heat treated properly at RK's.

D I D on the ugly scoot.

Dave Weller wrote:My BMW650CS scarver had a few recalls for revised pulleys, so a belt drive can fail, plus I also got a flint cutting its way through the belt. Some drive shafts go wrong.
A chain is best, shame the metal used in the side plates was not heat treated properly at RK's.

Well it's a BM, what do you expect. Several manufacturers have used belts over the years quite successfully, and still do with several large Jap cruisers having belts. Kawasaki used belts for some versions of the 305 and 440.

Yes belts can fail and so can chains. If Harley can use belts very successfully on machines with 70-80bhp and weighing well over 300kg, BM should have managed it quite successfully on a feather weight machine.

Belts are clean and require no maintenance other than the odd adjustment. Infact they require probably less adjustment than chains though they are more expensive to replace.

Personally I would have a belt anytime.

Come here then..i will belt ya!

Clive wrote:Come here then..i will belt ya!

..... ...... .....lol

My Kawasaki 305 had a belt, was never any trouble in 2 years...........till it snapped..dealer wanted nigh on £200 for anew one in 1999.
Gawd knows how much they would be now!..


Just messing Wozza.

Hiya Clive...Well they certainly can fail, but 1999 was a long time ago and I would like to think quality of materials and construction have moved a long way since then. Harley has been using then since the mid 80s with great success.


Oh Clive, that last post was meant to represent you smacking me and not the other way round....